02 AUGUST 2015

Maldonado, Jr. Stops Nater In San Antonio

By Marc Livitz: Fidel Maldonado, Jr. scored a fourth round stoppage win over John Nater in San Antonio, Texas this evening when his Puerto Rican opponent was unable to answer the bell for round five. "Golden Boy Live" visited a very cold Alamo City and the "Cowboys Dance Hall" once again transformed from a local country music venue to an ideal setting for a night out at the fights. Maldonado, Jr. (Albuquerque, New Mexico, 17-2, 14 KO’s) made his second appearance in as many bouts at the versatile San Antonio nightspot.

The welterweight bout was originally scheduled for ten and each fighter tried to test the other in the opening round with quick jabs and lateral movement. Nater (13-4, 10 KO’s) was a late replacement for former welterweight contender Steve Forbes, who was unable to be cleared for contact after having undergone laser eye surgery.

Maldonado and Nater did more staring than fighting to begin the second, however matters became clearer as the round played on and Fidel began to connect. The two traded on and off shots in round three, yet it was Maldonado’s straight left that was beginning to do some harm. An overhand right found Nater’s head with less than a minute to go in the third, which resulted in the bout’s initial knockdown. John was clearly wobbly on his feet after the head shot (which was set up by a body blow) and went to ground. He didn’t appear terribly affected by the knockdown as he was on his feet and out of his corner well before the fourth round began.

Successive lefts to the head and body sent Nater to the canvas for the second time about fifty seconds into round number four. Referee Jon Schorle reached a count of nine before the Bayamon, Puerto Rico native rose to his feet. He was visibly beaten and worn as he tried to elude Fidel for the remainder of the round. Maldonado caught him with three successive lefts to the head to end the period. There would be no round five as Nater’s corner had seen enough. The fight was stopped and Fidel "The Atrisco Kid" Maldonado, Jr. was declared the winner via fourth round TKO.